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“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Peter 4:16, NKJV)
We find in our English translation the word “but” four times in 1 Peter 3:13-16. Three different Greek words, however, are represented. Verse 13 holds a strong adversative (alla). In stark distinction to being shocked and dismayed by suffering we are to be expectant of it and to delight ourselves in it. Rather than resisting suffering we are to rejoice in it as something part of parcel of fellowship in the sufferings endured by our Lord Jesus.
In verse 16 the word “but”(de) serves to further the flow of thought, setting up a mild contrast. “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Pet. 4:16). The sense is that we do not need to feel embarrassed because we are suffering as though something strange or alien to our faith were happening to us. Instead, we are to glorify God that we bear the name of Jesus, suffering in oppression and opposition.
The third word Peter uses to press home his point carries yet another emphasis. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Pet. 4:15). Here Peter is driving home a logical inference, setting up a contrast of character. The word translated “but” (gar) carries a sense of cause or explanation.
Peter wants us to make sure that if we are suffering, it is not because we deserve it by our dereliction or disobedience. Suffering as a Christian does not mean suffering when a Christian. That’s why Peter goes on to speak of judgment beginning with the household of God (vv. 17-18), those who profess faith in Christ and allegiance to His Kingdom.
We will all stand bare before our God and give account (Rom. 14:12). Peter’s point is that we live our lives now in relationship with and reference to God and so direct our steps accordingly.
REFLECTION: The gospel of the Kingdom affects both our station and our steps.
Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.